NCAA Begins Five-Day Aerodrome Certification Training for Aviation Inspectors
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced a five-day aerodrome certification training programme for personnel in its Directorate of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS), as part of efforts to strengthen aviation safety oversight and improve airport regulatory standards in the country.
The training, organised in collaboration with the Airports Council International (ACI) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), began on Monday, November 2, 2026, in Lagos.
The programme will be conducted in three phases, with two batches in each phase. The first session runs from November 2 to 6, while the second and third sessions are scheduled for November 9 to 13 and November 16 to 20, respectively.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by the Regional Manager of the NCAA Lagos Office, Mrs Olubukola Teriba, described aerodrome certification as a critical component of Nigeria’s aviation safety oversight framework.
He explained that the process enables the Authority to verify that airports comply with established safety requirements for their intended operations.
According to him, the training is designed to strengthen the technical capacity of aviation inspectors, improve the consistency of certification and surveillance activities, and consolidate the progress already recorded in the sector.
Najomo disclosed that five designated international aerodromes in Nigeria had successfully obtained certification, describing the achievement as a significant milestone in the country’s aviation safety administration.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s improved performance in the 2026 ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM), noting that the Aerodromes and Ground Aids (AGA) Effective Implementation score rose from approximately 57.6 per cent to 95.16 per cent.
Similarly, the country’s overall Effective Implementation score increased from 70.23 per cent to 91.30 per cent.
The DGCA attributed the improvement to intensified regulatory engagement, technical inspections, prioritisation of safety deficiencies, improved corrective action planning and strengthened evidence management by the NCAA and relevant stakeholders.
He, however, stressed the need for continuous surveillance, professional competence and sustained commitment to maintaining the gains recorded.
Also speaking, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Alhaji Ahmad Abba, represented by the General Manager, Aerodrome Standards (Ground Handling Oversight), Mr Chukwu Emmanuel, described the programme as a carefully designed initiative that combines ACI and ICAO regulatory concepts.
He noted that sustaining the certification of the five international aerodromes would require continuous investment in knowledge, technical competence and professional commitment.
The training covers aerodrome certification standards, regulatory requirements, aerodrome manuals, Safety Management Systems, emergency planning, auditing techniques and certification procedures.
It will also feature practical exercises and site visits to provide participants with hands-on experience.
The programme is being organised by CRID, led by its Regional Director for Africa, Mr Nicholas Aitalegbe, in collaboration with ACI, represented by its Manager, Airport Solutions, Mr Martins Okeke.
